Since 2008, a number of initiatives launched by many Western economies at a global level have been aimed at traditional offshore centers in order to stop them being used as tax havens by the rich. Luxembourg, however, has maintained its position as the largest offshore center in the world, thanks to its dominance in the European funds market, especially among offshore clients.

Published By Datamonitor

Lukoil is keen to continue its charge across the European forecourt retailing sector as displayed by its interest in the soon-to-be-auctioned portfolio of ChevronTexaco forecourt retailing sites in the Benelux countries. With upstream infrastructure already in place, the capture of such a valuable retail network will ensure Lukoil achieves its goal of establishing its brand as a major player.

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

Kredietbank Luxembourg (KBL), a subsidiary of the KBC Group, has agreed to buy HSBC Dewaay, a private bank owned by HSBC and operating in Belgium and Luxembourg. This looks like a sensible move, as adding Dewaay to its Puilaetco Private Bankers division should boost KBL's presence in Belgian private banking, as well as underscoring the potential of the 'boutique' banking model.

Published By Datamonitor

KBL has beaten its European peers in a sale carried out very much on Puilaetco's terms. However, in addition to further extending its European private banking network, the acquisition will provide KBL with a much more important advantage - a presence in Belgium with a chance of collecting offshore funds returning home.

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

After a five year long moratorium on growing and commercializing GM foods, the EU has authorized the entry of a GM product onto the market. European consumers are still unconvinced, and the biotechnology companies behind the products fear the public may reject them. However consumers may learn to accept GM, first in nutraceuticals, and then in mainstream foods.